Environmental Impact Reduction Through Aircraft Design

A Feasibility Study on a Low-Emission, High-Capacity, Short-to-Medium Range Aircraft

Bachelor thesis (2024)

Authors

J. Bartmanski Aerospace Engineering
G.H.P. Drijfhout Aerospace Engineering
A.N. Entchev Aerospace Engineering
M. Fulton Aerospace Engineering
J.P. Karia Aerospace Engineering
M. Martins de Castro Aerospace Engineering
A. Sahakyan Aerospace Engineering
B. Verweij Aerospace Engineering
J.A. Wichers Aerospace Engineering
S.D. Bootsma Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

F. Yin Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects - Aerospace Engineering (mentor)
F. De Domenico Flight Performance and Propulsion - Aerospace Engineering (coach)
S. Chellini Wind Energy - Aerospace Engineering (coach)
A. Amiri Simkooei Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects - Aerospace Engineering (coach)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Published Date

28-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

The demand for commercial aviation is growing at an annual rate of 4%, posing significant environmental challenges. Large-capacity aircraft designed for long ranges are often used on short-to-medium range routes, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and higher emissions. With a future market need for aircraft seating 211 to 300 passengers, there is a clear gap for such a passenger airliner. This report examines the feasibility of the X-300 EcoFlyer, a proposed short-to-medium range aircraft with reduced environmental impact. Designed to carry 300 passengers over 3000 km, the X-300 aims to achieve 25% lower CO2 emissions, 50% lower NOx emissions, and 20% lower noise emissions compared to the Airbus A320neo. The study covers aircraft functions, system design, performance analysis, manufacturing, sustainability, operations, logistics, business viability, and technical risks. The findings confirm the X-300 EcoFlyer's potential to meet future demands with lower environmental impact. Innovations include a noise-shielding fuselage, a water-injected turbofan engine, in-wheel electrical taxing, and an electrical environmental control system. Overall, the X-300 EcoFlyer represents a promising solution to the challenges facing the future of high-capacity air transport.